William H. Smith June 24, 1999

1204 Christmas Tree Lane about 720 words

Pearce, Az. 85625

303-36-7671

(520) 826-1029

Follow Him

By

William H. Smith

Jesus was baptized by John The Baptist who was preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Jesus was baptized by the Holy Spirit after he was baptized by John in the water; The Holy Spirit was like a dove descending on him. God then announced, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” The Holy Spirit wasn’t in Jesus until after he was baptized, at this time God made the announcement that Jesus was his son (John 1:32).

Jesus was then sent into the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan. After the temptation period of Jesus, John was cast into prison. Jesus then began recruiting his Apostles saying to them, “follow me.”

The Apostles of Jesus were baptized by John The Baptist before they were called on by

Jesus to follow him. The Apostles didn't receive the Holy Spirit until after Jesus was taken up into the clouds, and the Disciples that were baptized also received the Holy Spirit after Jesus Christ was taken up into the air (Acts 1:7-1 1).

The formula to have a relationship with God, to be saved and to enter into his kingdom is

simple;

1. Believe in Jesus Christ, repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, and receive the Holy Spirit.

2. Resist the temptations of Satan in your everyday existence.

3. Show others the way to Christ; The Holy Spirit will make you a power and leader.

Many believe that being baptized isn’t necessary to enter the kingdom of God, this is only man's thinking. (John 3:3), except a man be born again (baptized) he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:4), except a man be born of water and the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ makes this declaration, therefore it must be true.

As written by the Gospel Mark, (Mark 16:16), you must believe and be baptized to be saved. This is also the words of Jesus Christ and is the only way to be saved, all other ways are those proclaimed by man.

Each individual must be baptized for the remission of sins afterwards receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit if they are found deserving. The choice is yours, either follow Jesus Christ or be damned.

(Acts 2:38), Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” This you must

do to be saved by his grace. The opinion that the thief on the cross was saved by grace, is the words of man. It is clearly documented that the thief on the cross was saved by the word of Jesus Christ, who is the word of God.

Since the time Jesus Christ arose into the air at Pentecost we are saved by grace, Jesus

was sent by his Father so that each of us could be saved by our own endeavors, if we will only accept the Father's gift. Follow Jesus, be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, as he did.

What about the thief on the cross he wasn’t baptized and he entered into the kingdom of God? The thief on the cross was saved by the word of God, not by grace, the word of Jesus Christ saved him.

Follow the teachings of Christ and not the teaching of man, you cannot tell where the Spirit comes from or where it will lead.

(John 3:16), “for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” Don't you know? that Satan knows there is only one God, and that Jesus was sent so that the world could save itself. Satan himself will experience everlasting life, but I don't believe it will be in the kingdom of, God.

Men and civilizations are alike; they are born, they grow to strength, they mature with wisdom, they grow old, and then they die.

Don’t die without Christ in your life, and live your life in a way to please and glorify

God.

--00--